Astro League returns with the Open Cup

THE Sligo Rovers Astro League returned to league action following the first round of the Open Cup which was held during the first week in January. Within the first round of the Cup, there were wins for GSS, Sally Gardens, Strand Celtic and Forrest Celtic. These four teams will be joined by Cornview, Foleys Bar, Bourbon Bar and finally the Bald Eagles in the quarter final draw. Attention however was solely on league action last week, as all teams were keen to make the best possible start in their respective division. The league has been split into a Premier and Championship division, with all teams reverting back to zero points. There are six teams in each division, with teams playing each other twice. The Bourbon Bar made an ex- cellent start in their quest for the Premier Division crown by defeating a strong Bald Eagles side 2-0. A brace from Shane Quinn was enough to collect maximum points, with an eagerly awaited tie against Cornview to come on Wednesday night.

There was also an impressive win for Forrest Celtic who defeated GSS in a seven goal thriller 4-3. Despite throwing away a 3-0 half time lead, Forrest showed enough fight and grit to hang onto the three points. Goal scorers on the night for Forrest were Azad Orang, Luke Brennan and a brace from the ever prolific Seamus Kane.

Brendan Lowry and a double from Sean Taylor got on the score sheet for GSS. Perhaps the match of the week was on Wednesday, as the top two before Christmas, Cornview and Foleys Bar battled it out. The evidence on the pitch should why the two teams are the title favourites, with some excellent individual and team link up play with was then followed by some expert finishing. A point a piece was the outcome, with Cornview squandering a 2-0 lead. Mark Healy had given his side a 1-0 half time lead, which was then doubled in the second half, again from Healy. The points looked secured until Gary Fallon unleashed an unbelievable strike into the back of the net from 20 yards to pull one back for his Foleys side. In the last minute of the game, Foleys’ persistence was rewarded once again as an effort on goal deflected off Cornview’s centre half Kiki O’Grady into the back of the net, to ensure a share of the spoils. The Sally Gardens made a very impressive start to life in the Championship division after seeing off a young Inter Inferno side 4-1. Goals from Tommy Trill, Johnny Kenny and a double from Niall O’Donnell collected all three points for the Ballisadare men.

Gerry Moore got a consolation goal for Inter. Strand Celtic came out on top of a five goal thriller after defeating the White Gorillas 3-2.

Goals from Adam Kerrigan and Conor O’Mahony ensured victory despite a brace from Marcus Hunter for the Gorillas. Ballymote wrapped up last wees action by defeating Calry comfortably 4-0.

Goals from Aidan O’Brien, Cathal Kyle, Joe Kyle and Neil Higgins sent the south Sligo boys top of the division.

This weeks fixtures: Tuesday at 9pm Foleys Bar vs GSS; Wednesday at 8pm Sally Gardens vs White Gorillas; at 9pm Bourbon Bar vs Cornview; Friday at 8pm Forrest Celtic vs Bald Eagles; Friday at 9pm Strand Celtic vs Ballymote. INSET: The Sally Gardens.